I wore this for my annual birthday party at an oyster farm - it's on the beach with picnic tables and grill on gravelly ground, so very much a casual outdoor place. It's casual enough with brown boots. I found it to be very fitted to my ribs, and then super poofy skirt. For me, I was going to eat/drink a lot and I like hiding my stomach so it was perfect, but it is noticeably poofy. Felt like it should have pockets or something. The back has criss cross black straps, which is super cute open - I ended up wearing the pasty "chicken cutlet" bra instead of a normal one, so that the straps wouldn't show, and that worked perfectly since the material is thick enough that it was comfortable. There's a little eyehook at the chest, I left it open and it's not too much cleavage, but a cute touch I am guessing it was worn through the summer season (rented end Oct) because one of the two sizes I got was missing the back panel, and the other had issues with the zipper. Worked out fine for me, but just keep in mind

Empress Garden Dress

Nanette Lepore

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I love NIcole Miller dresses and was thrilled with this one for a black tie optional wedding in NYC. It's comfortable and stretchy. The dress is actually pretty heavy - I wasn't sure if this would be a 'slinky' dress that shows every bump, but there is a lining and with the stretchiness, makes the dress quite flattering and smoothed out the 'bumps' I am 5'2" and it is definitely long. I occasionally stepped on the back of the dress with three inch heels on. I definitely held the dress in one hand when I put on flats to walk home. So shorter ladies beware.

Tempted by You Gown

Nicole Miller

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Size Worn: 4R

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I tried this dress on at the RTR showroom and loved it enough to get for my brother's rehearsal dinner... The dress I tried at RTR was a size 0 that the stylist managed to zip since it was so stretchy. The zipper in the back goes all the way to the bottom, and the material is a flattering, very form fitting but thick enough that it's not going to show every bump. The material is like neoprene (I kept making wetsuit jokes) but I realized when I got the size 2 in the mail, that showroom dresses can get overly stretched... and the size 2 was way small (I am usually a 4/6 but the stylist recommended a 2 since he was able to zip up the 0). Bummer that I didn't get to wear the dress, but I am a fan.

Look Don't Touch Sheath

Yigal Azrouël

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Size Worn: 2

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I wore this dress for my brother's wedding. I thought it might be too casual, but with some help from RTR and friends, I dressed it up with the CINER Anubis Collar (also RTR) and gold peep toe heels, and it was a total hit! Can't remember the last time I got so many compliments! The color is bright but elegant and totally pops in photos. The dress was comfortable, very dance-able, and flawy in the right parts (for me, that's my waistline... also let me eat/drink as much as I wanted...) I rented the size 6 and 8, and while I am usually a 4 or 6, I found that the zipper just barely wouldn't close over my ribcage, so I ended up wearing the 8. I would totally recommend the dress for weddings, formal parties, and a fancy night out!

Hollywood Doll Dress

Nicole Miller

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I picked this dress up at the RTR showroom the day of my brother's rehearsal dinner -- they only had a size 10, and I am usually a 6, so I guess they run small. It can probably be dressed up, but was perfect for a rehearsal dinner - fun and smart casual. Wore black patent leather peep toe heels. Would equally love to have this dress for a night out on the town!

Wave Him Down Sheath

Rachel Roy

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I am usually not a big, bold jewelry person, but my friends picked this piece at the RTR showroom to go with the blue Nicole Miller Hollywood Doll dress for my brother's wedding. While I balked at the piece on it's own, it was a perfect complement to the dress. Got so many compliments! As for wearing this chunky piece all night, it is surprisingly light and comfortable, no scratching or rough edges. The clasp is quite easy and smooth. My only issue was that I have sensitive skin and a lot of necklaces and bracelets will give me an allergic reaction / rash -- it was fine through the evening but happened next day. If you are very sensitive this might be an issue. I still give it a 5 star

Anubis Collar

Ciner

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Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C